Progress you can measure.

We track each dog's threshold distance, recovery time and daily life changes, so you can see progress even on the hard weeks. Names used with permission.

Dog reactivity · Longfellow

Otis

The challenge

Otis, a 4-year-old pit mix, lunged and screamed at any dog within a block. His family walked him at 5 a.m. and had stopped going to parks entirely. His vet found mild allergies causing itchy, uncomfortable skin.

The plan

Allergy treatment and a two-week decompression period first. Then pattern games and U-turns at home, sessions with Birch starting at 120 feet, and fair leash communication added once his skills were solid in calm settings.

120 → 20 ftreactive distance

5 min → 30 srecovery time

10 weeksNorthbound Program

Today

Otis walks in daylight, passes dogs across the street with a check-in, and naps under the table at Minnehaha Falls patios.

Leash frustration · St. Paul

Pepper

The challenge

Pepper, a 2-year-old beagle, adored other dogs and became a howling, leash-hitting tornado when she couldn't greet them. She pulled her owner off her feet on icy sidewalks twice.

The plan

Impulse control and a strong 'let's go' taught with rewards, sniff breaks as a reward for calm, clear leash communication, and structured Reactive Rover Walks to practice being near dogs without greeting.

90%fewer outbursts

0falls since week 2

6 weeksSteady Start + walks

Today

Pepper walks politely on a loose leash downtown, and greets dogs only when invited. Her owner calls winter walks 'actually enjoyable.'

Fear & visitors · Edina

Luna

The challenge

Luna, a 3-year-old rescue, hid under the bed when anyone visited and barked frantically at the door. She had never let a stranger touch her.

The plan

Fear case, so no corrections at any point. Vet-prescribed anti-anxiety medication through a veterinary behaviorist, a visitor protocol, a safe zone, and slow counter-conditioning with treat-tossing 'friendly strangers.'

0 → 6trusted people

40 min → 3minutes to settle

12 weekswith vet partnership

Today

Luna greets familiar guests with a wagging tail and chooses to settle on her bed during dinner parties. She now takes treats from new people.

Start with clarity

Every plan begins with a 90-minute behavior assessment.

In-home across the Twin Cities or virtual anywhere. You'll leave with first steps the same day and a written plan within three business days.

Start the intake → Take the self-check